Problem: Herbal remedies have been used to treat ailments for centuries, yet there exists a dichotomy concerning complementary and alternative therapy (CAT) knowledge between patients and providers, with mainstream providers having little interest in CAT discussions with patients. Valeriana officinalis (Valerian) is one such substance that has been used for hundreds of years to treat anxiety and insomnia although research efforts by qualified health professionals have lagged behind. This is especially true with regard to areas of concern such as herb efficacy and drug interactions. Purpose and Scope: The purpose of this Evidence-Based Practice (EBP) project was to describe Advanced Practice Nursing (APN) attitudes toward CAT and the use of Valerian before and after participation in an online teaching intervention. Using descriptive-interventional methodology, the study variable of APN attitudes toward CAT and the use of Valerian was tested using a tool designed as a 20-item 5-point Likert scale instrument with 2 subscales assessing attitudes toward CAT and the use of Valerian, or ATCAT. Goal and Objectives: The goal of the project was to successfully implement an online teaching intervention for APNs regarding CAT and the use of Valerian. The objectives were: (a) to describe aggregate demographic characteristics of the APN participants, (b) to describe pre-intervention APN attitudes regarding CAT and the use of Valerian, (c) to describe post-intervention APN attitudes regarding CAT and the use of Valerian, and (d) to describe APN attitudes toward CAT and the use of Valerian before and after participation in an online teaching intervention. Plan and Evaluation: Phase One: Conduct a literary needs assessment using a published evidence-based critique template. Phase Two: Design an online teaching intervention using the EBP approach. Phase ThreeL Implement an online teaching intervention for a projected sample of APN participants through a national online listserve. Phase Four: Evaluate APN attitudes toward CAT and the use of Valerian before and after participation in an online teaching intervention. Outcomes and Results: Total participant scores improved on the ATCAT instrumentation, with self-reported knowledge regarding the Valerian constructed achieved a slightly smaller increase. Moreoever, scaled reliability estimates based on internal consistency for the test-retest CAT construct achieved significance at pre-intervention, while the post-intervention testing also achieved significance with regard to the tool’s performance in this interventional design.
